German cable manufacturer TKD Kabel has expanded its range of industrial automation products with the KAWEFLEX series, a family of drag chain cables designed to withstand the high levels of motion and stress found in modern production environments.
The company said the KAWEFLEX line was developed to meet the demands of Industry 4.0 applications, where robotic arms, linear axes, and conveyor systems require reliable power and data transmission under continuous movement.
One of the best-performing models in the range, the KAWEFLEX 6130 SK-PUR UL/CSA, combines flexibility with resistance to industrial wear. It supports bending radii as tight as 7.5 times the cable diameter and can handle travel distances of up to 50 metres at speeds of 10 m/s and accelerations of 20 m/s². Its polyurethane outer sheath resists oil, lubricants, and ultraviolet exposure, while being halogen-free and flame-retardant.
For applications requiring electromagnetic compatibility, TKD Kabel offers a shielded version, the KAWEFLEX 6230 SK-C-PUR UL/CSA, which provides enhanced EMC protection and can serve as both motor and connection cable with a rated voltage of up to 600 V/1000 V.
The company’s KAWEFLEX Allround 7240 SK-C-TPE UL/CSA cable is intended for longer-distance applications and higher mechanical stress. Its layered or bundled core design allows travel distances of up to 400 metres and accelerations of up to 100 m/s².
The cable’s thermoplastic elastomer sheath protects against UV radiation, ozone, coolants, and diluted acids, making it suitable for use in sectors such as mechanical engineering, food and beverage processing, and chemicals.
All cables in the KAWEFLEX range are built to withstand millions of bending cycles. TKD Kabel said its stranding technology ensures low weight and long service life, while customers can choose from data, control, and power supply variants, both shielded and unshielded.
